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My (extra)Ordinary Life
‘I absolutely loved this book! Charming, funny – I laughed out loud several times – and plenty of heartstring-pulling moments to boot.' Sarah Turner (The Unmumsy Mum), author of Stepping Up
Have you ever wondered how normal you are?
What if you were perfectly average?
More than anyone else.
For Emily – it's true. When she watches a documentary on the average human she sees her life. Her job, her hair, her favourite food. All of her – plainly, horrifically average. Even her blood group. Right there and then, she decides she wants more.
She'll travel the world (i.e. venture out of her hometown)
She'll become a vegan (it's interesting to hate cheese, right?)
She'll do something daring (As long as it's safety tested)
Nothing will stand in the way of Emily living her best life. Not even Josh and his dimples. Because she absolutely can't fall in love... that would be too ordinary.
And from now on, Emily is going to be extraordinary.
Praise for My (extra)Ordinary Life
'Snortingly funny and painfully perceptive, Ryan is brilliant on the messiness and awkwardness of grief, love, family and figuring out how to be yourself in a world that just wants you to be 'normal'. Emily is one of the most fiercely loveable protagonists I've met in a long time. I cringed at her mistakes like they were my own, cheered on her victories like they were my best friend's, and felt totally bereft when it was over ' Lauren Bravo
'I LOVED this sparkling debut... Heroine Emily's quest not to be ordinary is both hysterically funny & desperately moving. I laughed out loud & I cried. Brilliant, immersive & unputdownable.' Tracy Rees
‘This charming debut is a heart-warming read for some January inspiration’ My Weekly
‘Funny, heartfelt, and tackling the complexity of grief in an original way, this debut is far from average’ Heat
‘Funny and heartwarming’ Closer
‘Funny and emotional – this is a top read’ Fabulous Magazine
‘A sparkling novel with a relatable protagonist’ Woman’s Own
‘Bradford-based Ryan…goes to the top of the class with this debut about a fresh start that will take you from all-out laughter to tears’ The Sunday Post
Have you ever wondered how normal you are?
What if you were perfectly average?
More than anyone else.
For Emily – it's true. When she watches a documentary on the average human she sees her life. Her job, her hair, her favourite food. All of her – plainly, horrifically average. Even her blood group. Right there and then, she decides she wants more.
She'll travel the world (i.e. venture out of her hometown)
She'll become a vegan (it's interesting to hate cheese, right?)
She'll do something daring (As long as it's safety tested)
Nothing will stand in the way of Emily living her best life. Not even Josh and his dimples. Because she absolutely can't fall in love... that would be too ordinary.
And from now on, Emily is going to be extraordinary.
Praise for My (extra)Ordinary Life
'Snortingly funny and painfully perceptive, Ryan is brilliant on the messiness and awkwardness of grief, love, family and figuring out how to be yourself in a world that just wants you to be 'normal'. Emily is one of the most fiercely loveable protagonists I've met in a long time. I cringed at her mistakes like they were my own, cheered on her victories like they were my best friend's, and felt totally bereft when it was over ' Lauren Bravo
'I LOVED this sparkling debut... Heroine Emily's quest not to be ordinary is both hysterically funny & desperately moving. I laughed out loud & I cried. Brilliant, immersive & unputdownable.' Tracy Rees
‘This charming debut is a heart-warming read for some January inspiration’ My Weekly
‘Funny, heartfelt, and tackling the complexity of grief in an original way, this debut is far from average’ Heat
‘Funny and heartwarming’ Closer
‘Funny and emotional – this is a top read’ Fabulous Magazine
‘A sparkling novel with a relatable protagonist’ Woman’s Own
‘Bradford-based Ryan…goes to the top of the class with this debut about a fresh start that will take you from all-out laughter to tears’ The Sunday Post
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2023
38 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
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January 14, 2023
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How do you fail at living when you’re alive?
This book is such a heartbreaker but by the end, my heart was put back together again. I adore books that can do that. Who among us hasn't felt average or boring at some point in our lives? Emily Turner keeps comparing herself to her mirror twin, Claire and feels she doesn't live up to what she might have made of herself...I think it was survivor's guilt she was feeling. I wanted to shake her and tell her she doesn't need to live up to anyone! I had to keep reminding myself that she is fairly young and still trying to find her groove in life.
Emily has the best of best friends in Kaz, they have been friends since childhood, she knows all her secrets and they are flatmates, I loved this character SO much. We could all use a Kaz in our lives. Feeling a little down on herself she asks her year eleven students what makes someone extraordinary and she makes a "Life List" of things to do, one a month for eight months. She also swears to herself that she will not fall in love or meet her soulmate (too average and too normal).
That humans can be so unbearably sad and yet so ridiculously happy at the same time really is quite the feat of evolution.
The book is told in two timelines and I liked the flashback chapters the best. Reading about Claire and Emily's childhood and their relationship really made me feel like I knew these girls. And even though the subject matter was really sad this book was also very funny in some parts and Rebecca Ryan had a lovely balance throughout the book. I couldn't stop reading as I had to find out how Emily did with each item on her list and in the end, I was really proud of her. I enjoyed this book immensely and it deserves ALL. The. Stars.
This title is currently available for purchase
How do you fail at living when you’re alive?
This book is such a heartbreaker but by the end, my heart was put back together again. I adore books that can do that. Who among us hasn't felt average or boring at some point in our lives? Emily Turner keeps comparing herself to her mirror twin, Claire and feels she doesn't live up to what she might have made of herself...I think it was survivor's guilt she was feeling. I wanted to shake her and tell her she doesn't need to live up to anyone! I had to keep reminding myself that she is fairly young and still trying to find her groove in life.
Emily has the best of best friends in Kaz, they have been friends since childhood, she knows all her secrets and they are flatmates, I loved this character SO much. We could all use a Kaz in our lives. Feeling a little down on herself she asks her year eleven students what makes someone extraordinary and she makes a "Life List" of things to do, one a month for eight months. She also swears to herself that she will not fall in love or meet her soulmate (too average and too normal).
That humans can be so unbearably sad and yet so ridiculously happy at the same time really is quite the feat of evolution.
The book is told in two timelines and I liked the flashback chapters the best. Reading about Claire and Emily's childhood and their relationship really made me feel like I knew these girls. And even though the subject matter was really sad this book was also very funny in some parts and Rebecca Ryan had a lovely balance throughout the book. I couldn't stop reading as I had to find out how Emily did with each item on her list and in the end, I was really proud of her. I enjoyed this book immensely and it deserves ALL. The. Stars.
This title is currently available for purchase
March 24, 2023
What a brilliant book! I absolutely adore Emily. She’s utterly relatable and hilarious, you’ll want to live with her and Kaz immediately. I laughed out loud on many occasions. It’s a nice easy read, with some chapters in the past to help you understand the relationship Emily has with her sister. A book about love, grief and finding yourself, this is one I’d recommend if you want a book that’s hard to put down, but might make you cry.
March 17, 2023
"My (extra)Ordinary Life" was an extraordinary book.
WARNING: Access to an (extra)large box of tissues is strongly recommended.
The storyline follows Emily whose identical twin sister died from cancer twenty years ago when she was 8-years-old.
After viewing a TV documentary, Emily is no longer content to lead an "average" and "ordinary" life.
Readers join Emily in an emotional rollercoaster journey of growth and self-discovery that is engaging. heartwarming, and replete with many laugh-out-loud and tear-jerker moments.
What set this book apart from others was the author's scintillating wit and her creation of characters that were fallible, endearing, and refreshingly relatable.
Mixing humor with sadness is no easy feat and Rebecca Ryan did so with accomplished skill and finesse.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Heather Long did a phenomenal job with the narration.
An incredible debut from Rebecca Ryan.
I'll be looking forward to listening to future books by this (extra)ordinary author.
WARNING: Access to an (extra)large box of tissues is strongly recommended.
The storyline follows Emily whose identical twin sister died from cancer twenty years ago when she was 8-years-old.
After viewing a TV documentary, Emily is no longer content to lead an "average" and "ordinary" life.
Readers join Emily in an emotional rollercoaster journey of growth and self-discovery that is engaging. heartwarming, and replete with many laugh-out-loud and tear-jerker moments.
What set this book apart from others was the author's scintillating wit and her creation of characters that were fallible, endearing, and refreshingly relatable.
Mixing humor with sadness is no easy feat and Rebecca Ryan did so with accomplished skill and finesse.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Heather Long did a phenomenal job with the narration.
An incredible debut from Rebecca Ryan.
I'll be looking forward to listening to future books by this (extra)ordinary author.
January 15, 2023
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the readalong hosted by Tandem Collective UK.
My (Extra) Ordinary Life is one of the most heartfelt, relatable, funny, sad and moving books I've read in quite some time. Rebecca Ryan has done an outstanding job with this book of bringing the characters to life, endearing them to the reader and I felt she hit the nail on the head with her perception and portrayal of how many of us think, feel and see the world around us.
We follow Emily who lost her identical twin sister at a young age to cancer and has never gotten over it. After watching a documentary on TV, Emily is stunned to realise she is completely average according to statistics and sets out to make a life list of tasks to achieve to make herself, well - not as average. This book is a real emotional rollercoaster and I loved every twist and turn in Emily's journey. She does a lot of soul searching during this journey, consciously and unknowingly and it just made her even more endearing. I thought Rebecca portrayed grief and guilt perfectly and the mix of humour and Emily's personality was tasteful, tactful and absolutely amazing. I laughed and cried so many times reading this book as it was not only touching but so very relatable. Emily is an inspiring character with a huge heart and I wish she was real so I could go give her the biggest hug! The ending was uplifting and satisfying and I've taken so much away from this book - inspiration, hope and a different view on life, to name just a few.
My (Extra) Ordinary Life is one of the most heartfelt, relatable, funny, sad and moving books I've read in quite some time. Rebecca Ryan has done an outstanding job with this book of bringing the characters to life, endearing them to the reader and I felt she hit the nail on the head with her perception and portrayal of how many of us think, feel and see the world around us.
We follow Emily who lost her identical twin sister at a young age to cancer and has never gotten over it. After watching a documentary on TV, Emily is stunned to realise she is completely average according to statistics and sets out to make a life list of tasks to achieve to make herself, well - not as average. This book is a real emotional rollercoaster and I loved every twist and turn in Emily's journey. She does a lot of soul searching during this journey, consciously and unknowingly and it just made her even more endearing. I thought Rebecca portrayed grief and guilt perfectly and the mix of humour and Emily's personality was tasteful, tactful and absolutely amazing. I laughed and cried so many times reading this book as it was not only touching but so very relatable. Emily is an inspiring character with a huge heart and I wish she was real so I could go give her the biggest hug! The ending was uplifting and satisfying and I've taken so much away from this book - inspiration, hope and a different view on life, to name just a few.
September 16, 2023
3 - 3.5 ⭐
This is such a funny book to review as I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it 🙃.
I found it very slow paced and didn't really gel with the characters.
Told across 2 timelines I was invested in the older timeline the most and found myself willing them chapters to come and sadly found myself skim reading the newer timeline in parts.
A debut which I found to be cliche and predictable but I did find myself starting to enjoy the last couple of chapters of the book.
Glad I read this book as part of Book and Pudding Club as it wasn't my pick and isn't one I would pick up going off the cover so I'm glad I've read it.
Ultimately a book about love, finding yourself and grief. 💕
This is such a funny book to review as I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it 🙃.
I found it very slow paced and didn't really gel with the characters.
Told across 2 timelines I was invested in the older timeline the most and found myself willing them chapters to come and sadly found myself skim reading the newer timeline in parts.
A debut which I found to be cliche and predictable but I did find myself starting to enjoy the last couple of chapters of the book.
Glad I read this book as part of Book and Pudding Club as it wasn't my pick and isn't one I would pick up going off the cover so I'm glad I've read it.
Ultimately a book about love, finding yourself and grief. 💕
September 14, 2023
3.5* from me. The middle I really enjoyed, but the end fell flat. Emily seemed to change personalities completely by then compared with the start of the book, which felt a bit unrealistic?
POTENTIAL SPOILER
Randomly announcing her sex life on a bungee jumping video was very out of character IMO, & a strange way to resolve conflict with the love interest…!
- Book & Pudding Club Pick
POTENTIAL SPOILER
Randomly announcing her sex life on a bungee jumping video was very out of character IMO, & a strange way to resolve conflict with the love interest…!
- Book & Pudding Club Pick
September 20, 2023
What a disappointing read. The protagonist, Emily, annoyed me intensely. So completely self-absorbed, hating her ordinary life, convinced that her twin would have been much more successful had she lived. Not for me, I’m afraid.
April 25, 2024
Didn’t think it was as funny as her latest book ‘the philosophy of love’, more sad parts tbh.
January 14, 2023
Emily is far too average!
I absolutely loved My (extra) Ordinary Life. Reading about Emily felt as if Rebecca Ryan had climbed inside my head and voiced every doubt I’ve ever had about my own existence. Her perception of how we think and feel is exceptional. And the book is joyously funny. I laughed aloud so often I think my husband thought I was quite mad. I think My (extra) Ordinary Life would make the most fabulous film as Rebecca Ryan’s writing is so vivid, fast paced and engaging that it is as if you’re watching Emily’s life rather than merely reading about it.
The plot revolves around Emily’s attempts to make herself less average, and simply romps along, but it is also far, far, more than a humorous and brilliantly entertaining read. It’s imbued with emotion too so that self-doubt, loss and grief form the catalyst for the action and Rebecca Ryan has the amazing skill of being able to make her readers laugh even as tears are streaming down their faces. My (extra) Ordinary Life feels like a book written by an author who truly understands human nature.
What I think works so fabulously is the concept of finding your own path in life. Emily learns that she isn’t just a teacher, a friend, a sister, a daughter. She’s the sum of her grief, her responses to life, and her own actions, making My (extra) Ordinary Life incredibly affecting and, indeed, life-affirming and helpful. I was desperate for Emily to be happy from the very first word.
I loved all the characters (save for Mr Hughes, but you’ll need to read the book to find out why) and whilst Emily is exceptionally well drawn, Kaz is also simply brilliant. There’s smashing love and romance in My (extra) Ordinary Life but even better is the portrayal of female friendship through Kaz and Emily’s relationship. Indeed, I didn’t want simply to read about them. I wanted to climb into the book and be friends with them too because they felt so authentic and real.
My (extra) Ordinary Life is one of those books that remains with the reader long after the last page is read. It entertains, it teaches and it moves, but even as is does those things, it leaves the reader feeling uplifted, understood and completely satisfied. I just loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough. Emily might feel ordinary, but My (extra) Ordinary Life is extra-ordinarily fabulous!
I absolutely loved My (extra) Ordinary Life. Reading about Emily felt as if Rebecca Ryan had climbed inside my head and voiced every doubt I’ve ever had about my own existence. Her perception of how we think and feel is exceptional. And the book is joyously funny. I laughed aloud so often I think my husband thought I was quite mad. I think My (extra) Ordinary Life would make the most fabulous film as Rebecca Ryan’s writing is so vivid, fast paced and engaging that it is as if you’re watching Emily’s life rather than merely reading about it.
The plot revolves around Emily’s attempts to make herself less average, and simply romps along, but it is also far, far, more than a humorous and brilliantly entertaining read. It’s imbued with emotion too so that self-doubt, loss and grief form the catalyst for the action and Rebecca Ryan has the amazing skill of being able to make her readers laugh even as tears are streaming down their faces. My (extra) Ordinary Life feels like a book written by an author who truly understands human nature.
What I think works so fabulously is the concept of finding your own path in life. Emily learns that she isn’t just a teacher, a friend, a sister, a daughter. She’s the sum of her grief, her responses to life, and her own actions, making My (extra) Ordinary Life incredibly affecting and, indeed, life-affirming and helpful. I was desperate for Emily to be happy from the very first word.
I loved all the characters (save for Mr Hughes, but you’ll need to read the book to find out why) and whilst Emily is exceptionally well drawn, Kaz is also simply brilliant. There’s smashing love and romance in My (extra) Ordinary Life but even better is the portrayal of female friendship through Kaz and Emily’s relationship. Indeed, I didn’t want simply to read about them. I wanted to climb into the book and be friends with them too because they felt so authentic and real.
My (extra) Ordinary Life is one of those books that remains with the reader long after the last page is read. It entertains, it teaches and it moves, but even as is does those things, it leaves the reader feeling uplifted, understood and completely satisfied. I just loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough. Emily might feel ordinary, but My (extra) Ordinary Life is extra-ordinarily fabulous!
November 12, 2022
I am so grateful to have received an ARC of My (Extra)Ordinary Life!
Ryan did a wonderful job crafting such a relatable book. It’s hard not to feel extraordinarily ordinary sometimes, and the main character Emily suffers a sort of quarter-life crisis when she realizes that according to statistics, she hits every marker for average.
Emily is crafted in the vein of Bridget Jones—a character who is hilarious in the fight against being average. Her messy responses to people and situations often lead me to laugh aloud, and I found her quite endearing. Yet, there is a depth to her character that even Jones lacked as the reason she fights so hard not to be average is a way to honor her twin who passed when she was younger.
However, the more we read, the more we realize that honoring her sister comes with a lot of hang-ups about who Emily is as a person. And the journey turns out to be much more about this character learning to honor and love herself.
I laughed and cried—two traits so hard to find in a single book.
Ryan did a wonderful job crafting such a relatable book. It’s hard not to feel extraordinarily ordinary sometimes, and the main character Emily suffers a sort of quarter-life crisis when she realizes that according to statistics, she hits every marker for average.
Emily is crafted in the vein of Bridget Jones—a character who is hilarious in the fight against being average. Her messy responses to people and situations often lead me to laugh aloud, and I found her quite endearing. Yet, there is a depth to her character that even Jones lacked as the reason she fights so hard not to be average is a way to honor her twin who passed when she was younger.
However, the more we read, the more we realize that honoring her sister comes with a lot of hang-ups about who Emily is as a person. And the journey turns out to be much more about this character learning to honor and love herself.
I laughed and cried—two traits so hard to find in a single book.
June 23, 2025
I am OBSESSED with this book.
Inhaled it in 2 days. It made me sad when I had to do anything other than read it😂
This book has completely stolen my heart. Emily, the main character, was incredibly relatable… honestly, one of the most authentic and lovable protagonists. She gave me serious Bridget Jones/Louise Clark vibes (in the best way possible) she was quirky, self-aware, a little (lot) chaotic, but deeply human. I adored her.
What really moved me, was the emotional depth behind Emily’s choices. Her motivations, shaped by grief and the pressure to live an “extraordinary” life, were both heartbreaking and inspiring. I found myself reflecting on my own goals and expectations, which is always a sign of a powerful read.
The romance? Chef’s kiss. It added just the right amount of sweetness and hope to the story without overpowering Emily’s personal journey.
This book made me laugh, cry, and reflect. It’s hands down one of my favourite reads of the year so far. If you're looking for something heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly real, this needs to be at the top of your list.
Inhaled it in 2 days. It made me sad when I had to do anything other than read it😂
This book has completely stolen my heart. Emily, the main character, was incredibly relatable… honestly, one of the most authentic and lovable protagonists. She gave me serious Bridget Jones/Louise Clark vibes (in the best way possible) she was quirky, self-aware, a little (lot) chaotic, but deeply human. I adored her.
What really moved me, was the emotional depth behind Emily’s choices. Her motivations, shaped by grief and the pressure to live an “extraordinary” life, were both heartbreaking and inspiring. I found myself reflecting on my own goals and expectations, which is always a sign of a powerful read.
The romance? Chef’s kiss. It added just the right amount of sweetness and hope to the story without overpowering Emily’s personal journey.
This book made me laugh, cry, and reflect. It’s hands down one of my favourite reads of the year so far. If you're looking for something heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly real, this needs to be at the top of your list.
January 29, 2023
I really disliked this book. I can't understand why it's getting all this love from everyone else. The story is probably the most obvious and cliche thing that I've ever read, and every single character in this is the most extreme version of the stereotype that the author bestows them (which is actually quite funny in a book about an ordinary person).
I can acknowledge that some of the chapters about Claire were quite touching, even though the 8 year old talks like the second coming of Jesus Christ. The lack of realism here is quite insulting and the amount of saccharin present is overwhelming.
What I find most disappointing though is the amount of spelling and grammatical mistakes there are. I mean seriously, how many must have read this book before it was published and none of them could realise it should be we're not were.
This book isn't the kind I would buy for myself and I'm certainly not Ryan's intended audience, but I would still expect more.
I can acknowledge that some of the chapters about Claire were quite touching, even though the 8 year old talks like the second coming of Jesus Christ. The lack of realism here is quite insulting and the amount of saccharin present is overwhelming.
What I find most disappointing though is the amount of spelling and grammatical mistakes there are. I mean seriously, how many must have read this book before it was published and none of them could realise it should be we're not were.
This book isn't the kind I would buy for myself and I'm certainly not Ryan's intended audience, but I would still expect more.
March 22, 2023
Emily feels like her life is mundanely ordinary. From her job to her hair to her lack of a social life. And it takes a TV documentary about the ‘ordinary’ human, timed with the 20th anniversary of her sister’s death to make her feel like she wants to be anything but ordinary. So she embarks on a Life List where each month she does something extraordinary - from Tough Mudders to volunteering in a cat’s protection charity shop, Emily does it all. But does it change her life in the way she hopes it will?
I LOVED this book. Emily was frighteningly relatable. I’m a teacher too and so much of her life just screamed at me ‘SAME’ 🙈 She was a fantastic main character, hilarious yet vulnerable and I really, really felt for her. It’s obvious that Emily struggles to express her emotions in relation to losing her twin sister to cancer when they were just 8 years old. A negative experience with therapy and grief counselling in her childhood didn’t help with her grieving process at all. But Emily made a promise to her sister that she would live the best life, and she feels so guilty that she’s not doing so when Claire didn’t get to live.
Emily learns a lot of lessons along the way and it’s a really heartwarming journey to be on as a reader. We also meet Josh and I loved his character too. Watching their relationship blossom made my heart melt 🥰 I also loved Kaz, Emily’s best friend, and the friendship that they had.
This was a really empowering story. It was emotional and it broke your heart and then minutes later it lifted it again. I highly recommend this book!
I LOVED this book. Emily was frighteningly relatable. I’m a teacher too and so much of her life just screamed at me ‘SAME’ 🙈 She was a fantastic main character, hilarious yet vulnerable and I really, really felt for her. It’s obvious that Emily struggles to express her emotions in relation to losing her twin sister to cancer when they were just 8 years old. A negative experience with therapy and grief counselling in her childhood didn’t help with her grieving process at all. But Emily made a promise to her sister that she would live the best life, and she feels so guilty that she’s not doing so when Claire didn’t get to live.
Emily learns a lot of lessons along the way and it’s a really heartwarming journey to be on as a reader. We also meet Josh and I loved his character too. Watching their relationship blossom made my heart melt 🥰 I also loved Kaz, Emily’s best friend, and the friendship that they had.
This was a really empowering story. It was emotional and it broke your heart and then minutes later it lifted it again. I highly recommend this book!
March 15, 2023
I loved this book. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It was written beautifully and with great sensitivity. A poignant portrayal of grief. But also a book filled with hope and romance.
April 18, 2023
So chill so cute literally hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times. It’s a healing story, Emily is a beautiful soul. 🥺
August 17, 2023
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
Review to follow
Review to follow
January 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️. I enjoyed this book - I liked the characters and the storyline. Some parts were very moving. Will definitely read more by this author 😊
January 19, 2023
A stand out debut from Rebecca Ryan. This gripped me from the very beginning as we journey with Emily on extraordinary adventure. I loved Emily from the very start - brave and determined she was adamant she didn’t want to be average. I loved seeing her self confidence grow and especially loved the relationship she has with best friend Kaz. The love between the two of them was certainly a highlight of the story for me and I enjoyed the banter between them as Kaz stood by her friend. Rebecca Ryan has written such a beautiful, emotional and relatable story and it was a delight to read.
September 13, 2023
I read this super fast as I had a pile of books I wanted to take on holiday and needed to get this one done for book club
I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it! It took me a while to warm to the main character but as more of her backstory was revealed I could suddenly understand her reasons behind the list. I connected to her just over half way through and then it became more enjoyable
I didn’t love it, didn’t hate it! It took me a while to warm to the main character but as more of her backstory was revealed I could suddenly understand her reasons behind the list. I connected to her just over half way through and then it became more enjoyable
January 3, 2023
Oh how I loved this book and Emily in particular. It was so relatable how she felt that her life wasn’t just ordinary but couldn’t be any more ordinary. The pun in the book title is rather clever. I’m sure many of us have felt that our lives are boring at times and made resolutions to improve ourselves in many ways. This is particularly true at this time of year of course and some of Emily’s Life List goals were perhaps a bit overly optimistic, mostly because she wasn’t being true to herself.
The book was filled with humour and made me laugh out loud quite a lot. The situations Emily gets herself into sometimes were quite funny. The bootcamp provided funny moments as well as when Emily decided to become vegan and did a rather pretentious cookery class. It sometimes seemed she just couldn’t stop opening her mouth and speaking without thinking which really was so entertaining. The kids she taught in her classes at school often made me laugh. The wonderful friendship with her friend Kaz was hilarious to read about at times.
The author brought a perfect emotional touch to the book too as she explored how grief affected Emily’s life and how she often felt guilty that she wasn’t living as she imagined her twin would want her to. I really got the sense of how difficult it was for Emily losing her twin even though they’d actually been quite different. With them being ‘mirror twins’, seeing what must have felt like her sister any time she looked in the mirror must have been incredibly hard.
The romance in the book is perfectly judged too. Emily was determined she absolutely was not going to meet her soulmate at a time which would add to her averageness. So when someone who clearly was her soulmate came along, she did everything she could to make sure they wouldn’t get together.
Overall, I thought this was an excellent debut novel. Emily went from having what she considered to be an extra-ordinary life to one which was more her and more extraordinary than she could possibly have imagined. It’s warm, funny and poignant and full of great characters. Bravo, Rebecca Ryan – I look forward to reading what you write next.
The book was filled with humour and made me laugh out loud quite a lot. The situations Emily gets herself into sometimes were quite funny. The bootcamp provided funny moments as well as when Emily decided to become vegan and did a rather pretentious cookery class. It sometimes seemed she just couldn’t stop opening her mouth and speaking without thinking which really was so entertaining. The kids she taught in her classes at school often made me laugh. The wonderful friendship with her friend Kaz was hilarious to read about at times.
The author brought a perfect emotional touch to the book too as she explored how grief affected Emily’s life and how she often felt guilty that she wasn’t living as she imagined her twin would want her to. I really got the sense of how difficult it was for Emily losing her twin even though they’d actually been quite different. With them being ‘mirror twins’, seeing what must have felt like her sister any time she looked in the mirror must have been incredibly hard.
The romance in the book is perfectly judged too. Emily was determined she absolutely was not going to meet her soulmate at a time which would add to her averageness. So when someone who clearly was her soulmate came along, she did everything she could to make sure they wouldn’t get together.
Overall, I thought this was an excellent debut novel. Emily went from having what she considered to be an extra-ordinary life to one which was more her and more extraordinary than she could possibly have imagined. It’s warm, funny and poignant and full of great characters. Bravo, Rebecca Ryan – I look forward to reading what you write next.
January 5, 2023
Review 📚
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
2022 - Book 56
Rebecca has written an absolute cracker. I laughed out loud so much, but Emily's story about never having come to terms with the death of her twin sister is just so heart wrenching it made me cry too.
I liked the way that it was set mainly in the present, but there were some flashbacks to Emily's time with her sister Claire. I think this was important as it gives you a sense of who she was and therefore doesn't become a two dimensional character.
I absolutely adored Emily - I think her inner voice of self doubt and her dreaming up worst case scenarios are traits that a lot of us can relate to, making Emily very real. The supporting cast of family and friends (everyone needs their own Kaz) are all great too.
This is a story about grief and love. It's about family and friendships and finding yourself. I read it in a few days and felt a bit lost when it was over. Its out early next year and deserves to sell millions. Congratulations Becs, you smashed it!
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2022 - Book 56
Rebecca has written an absolute cracker. I laughed out loud so much, but Emily's story about never having come to terms with the death of her twin sister is just so heart wrenching it made me cry too.
I liked the way that it was set mainly in the present, but there were some flashbacks to Emily's time with her sister Claire. I think this was important as it gives you a sense of who she was and therefore doesn't become a two dimensional character.
I absolutely adored Emily - I think her inner voice of self doubt and her dreaming up worst case scenarios are traits that a lot of us can relate to, making Emily very real. The supporting cast of family and friends (everyone needs their own Kaz) are all great too.
This is a story about grief and love. It's about family and friendships and finding yourself. I read it in a few days and felt a bit lost when it was over. Its out early next year and deserves to sell millions. Congratulations Becs, you smashed it!
October 6, 2022
Oh this book is pure joy. It is completely relatable and utterly hilarious, with many laugh out loud moments, the characters in this book are pure joy and it's just a delight.
January 8, 2023
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews
This is Rebecca Ryan’s debut book and well you wouldn’t think so. She writes like a seasoned author Emily is very relatable. Without being too obvious she is just your average person. She has an average job and lives what she perceives as a very boring life. I think we have all been there thinking that we should be more than we are. Emily has the added pressure that she believes her twin sister would have had an amazing life had she not passed away when they were 8 years old. Emily’s life list made me laugh so much. The tough mudder scenes were some of my favourites. I had to stop reading to catch my breath because I was giggling so much. This book shows us how grief can keep affecting us even 20 years down the line. My mum passed away when I was 9 years old and even now at 33 grief can, at times, overwhelm me. I completely understand how Emily was feeling with a big anniversary looming and her family dealing with their grief differently to her. It can be easier to bury your head in the sand. This book was laugh out loud funny while also being very poignant. This is a beautiful book about life and grief but peppered with some of the funniest scenes I have ever read. An excellent debut and I cannot wait for more from Rebecca.
This is Rebecca Ryan’s debut book and well you wouldn’t think so. She writes like a seasoned author Emily is very relatable. Without being too obvious she is just your average person. She has an average job and lives what she perceives as a very boring life. I think we have all been there thinking that we should be more than we are. Emily has the added pressure that she believes her twin sister would have had an amazing life had she not passed away when they were 8 years old. Emily’s life list made me laugh so much. The tough mudder scenes were some of my favourites. I had to stop reading to catch my breath because I was giggling so much. This book shows us how grief can keep affecting us even 20 years down the line. My mum passed away when I was 9 years old and even now at 33 grief can, at times, overwhelm me. I completely understand how Emily was feeling with a big anniversary looming and her family dealing with their grief differently to her. It can be easier to bury your head in the sand. This book was laugh out loud funny while also being very poignant. This is a beautiful book about life and grief but peppered with some of the funniest scenes I have ever read. An excellent debut and I cannot wait for more from Rebecca.
January 12, 2023
My (Extra) Ordinary Life is Rebecca Ryan’s debut novel, and what a debut it is.
Emily has a sudden wake up when she watches a documentary and realises that her life is very ordinary in every aspect. There is nothing about her that makes her stand out. She makes the decision that he is going to become anything but ordinary and embarks on this with the help and encouragement of her best friend Kaz.
I found this book inspiring, motivating, heart-breaking and heart-warming.
What I enjoyed about this book is how we flick between the present and the past to uncover what it is that has led Emily to live her life the way she has been and that using that and trying to change the outlook it has caused as her motivation.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, your heart breaks for Emily and her family for what they have been through, and then you cheer for her as she goes on her journey to break free from the hold the past has on her. There were times through this book that I was in tears and others that I was laughing out loud.
I loved the relationship she has with Kaz and how she has been there for Emily through everything. How she supports her but also is relieved and encouraging when Emily has her realisation.
Then there’s Josh, who sounds lovely. Emily, determined that she won’t fall in love because that’s too ordinary, puts a wall between them, but seeing this come down and her resolve weaken is a testament to her changing.
I think this is a great book, perfect for the start of the year to motivate you to make those changes you have been thinking about. And proof that life is short, and we should be making the most of it.
I can’t wait to see what Rebecca brings out next.
Emily has a sudden wake up when she watches a documentary and realises that her life is very ordinary in every aspect. There is nothing about her that makes her stand out. She makes the decision that he is going to become anything but ordinary and embarks on this with the help and encouragement of her best friend Kaz.
I found this book inspiring, motivating, heart-breaking and heart-warming.
What I enjoyed about this book is how we flick between the present and the past to uncover what it is that has led Emily to live her life the way she has been and that using that and trying to change the outlook it has caused as her motivation.
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions, your heart breaks for Emily and her family for what they have been through, and then you cheer for her as she goes on her journey to break free from the hold the past has on her. There were times through this book that I was in tears and others that I was laughing out loud.
I loved the relationship she has with Kaz and how she has been there for Emily through everything. How she supports her but also is relieved and encouraging when Emily has her realisation.
Then there’s Josh, who sounds lovely. Emily, determined that she won’t fall in love because that’s too ordinary, puts a wall between them, but seeing this come down and her resolve weaken is a testament to her changing.
I think this is a great book, perfect for the start of the year to motivate you to make those changes you have been thinking about. And proof that life is short, and we should be making the most of it.
I can’t wait to see what Rebecca brings out next.
December 29, 2022
I think we have had a moment in life where we think my life is boring, and that we are absolutely average with nothing special about us (I’m hoping that this isn’t just me). Our main character Emily is going through this very dilemma. After watching a documentary about the life of an average person, she believes that her life is boring. What ensues is her personal challenge to make herself and her life more extraordinary.
Emily reminds me a little of Bridget Jones, a character with no filter and anything she says is hilarious. To the outside world and to her friends and family she is special, but suffering from low self esteem she doesn’t see it for herself. With the 20th anniversary of her twin sister’s death approaching, Emily is consumed with the idea of what if her sister had lived. She fully believes that her sister would have been able to live a much better life. Her grief throughout the book is palpable and her journey through her life list and grief makes this book special.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the advanced copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
Emily reminds me a little of Bridget Jones, a character with no filter and anything she says is hilarious. To the outside world and to her friends and family she is special, but suffering from low self esteem she doesn’t see it for herself. With the 20th anniversary of her twin sister’s death approaching, Emily is consumed with the idea of what if her sister had lived. She fully believes that her sister would have been able to live a much better life. Her grief throughout the book is palpable and her journey through her life list and grief makes this book special.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the advanced copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
January 14, 2023
My First 2023 book...and OMG😭
5 star. 5 star. 5 star. Don't Know if I've said it enough. 5 STAR!
When I first read the blurb, I thought ah yes might be nice. Nice easy read to start the year. I wasn't expecting the roller coaster of emotions that I experienced. I mean...I laughed out loud and repeated quotes to Jack that had full on tickled me...I mean come on...the protagonist describes her knickers as disintegrating around the guy she likes...surely that earns a LOL moment!
But I also sobbed. I sobbed at the unfairness of life, an unfairness that shines through in this book. A total injustice. But as is normal with life, we brush ourselves off and plough on and that's what Emily does and it doesn't always help....
Emily sees herself as totally average. You name an average statistic...it's her. So remembering a promise made to someone special long ago, she vows to start a new and ditch her averageness.
She makes a life list...among which is a target a month for 6 months and she has to sccomplish it to feel any sort of self worth. Can she do it? Will it help in her suffering and boredom with life?
This book in most parts was absolutely hilarious. The author is one talented lady and to think this is a debut! I cannot wait for more and I'm so grateful to have been gifted this book!
Thank you @tandemcollectiveuk @simonschusteruk @becsryanauthor ...Great start to the year!
5 star. 5 star. 5 star. Don't Know if I've said it enough. 5 STAR!
When I first read the blurb, I thought ah yes might be nice. Nice easy read to start the year. I wasn't expecting the roller coaster of emotions that I experienced. I mean...I laughed out loud and repeated quotes to Jack that had full on tickled me...I mean come on...the protagonist describes her knickers as disintegrating around the guy she likes...surely that earns a LOL moment!
But I also sobbed. I sobbed at the unfairness of life, an unfairness that shines through in this book. A total injustice. But as is normal with life, we brush ourselves off and plough on and that's what Emily does and it doesn't always help....
Emily sees herself as totally average. You name an average statistic...it's her. So remembering a promise made to someone special long ago, she vows to start a new and ditch her averageness.
She makes a life list...among which is a target a month for 6 months and she has to sccomplish it to feel any sort of self worth. Can she do it? Will it help in her suffering and boredom with life?
This book in most parts was absolutely hilarious. The author is one talented lady and to think this is a debut! I cannot wait for more and I'm so grateful to have been gifted this book!
Thank you @tandemcollectiveuk @simonschusteruk @becsryanauthor ...Great start to the year!
January 14, 2023
It was an extraordinary debut novel from Rebecca Ryan! Really! Sure, it had its downs but altogether it was a brilliant, bitter - sweet story about grief, love and life altogether.
It started really well and I liked Emily from the word go. However, the deeper into the book, and please don't get me wrong, everyone deals with grief in their own way, but I was getting tired with her all the time comparing herself to Claire, putting Claire on pedestal - it was too much. Living life she though Claire would be living - not sure what it was, some kind of tribute to Claire? Like I said, everybody is allowed to deal with grief for how long they want, it's just that I had a feeling that Emily has take this all to another level. But that'S the only thing that bothered me in the story. Other than that, it was absolutely brilliant book. There were some of the most hilarious scenes ever and the author has captured all the feelings of being out of the comfort zone so, so well.I really could feel Emily's feelings and emotions.
A story about facing and confronting your fears, leaving your comfort zones to find a better place for yourself, to feel better in your own skin - hilariously funny and poignant at the same time.
It started really well and I liked Emily from the word go. However, the deeper into the book, and please don't get me wrong, everyone deals with grief in their own way, but I was getting tired with her all the time comparing herself to Claire, putting Claire on pedestal - it was too much. Living life she though Claire would be living - not sure what it was, some kind of tribute to Claire? Like I said, everybody is allowed to deal with grief for how long they want, it's just that I had a feeling that Emily has take this all to another level. But that'S the only thing that bothered me in the story. Other than that, it was absolutely brilliant book. There were some of the most hilarious scenes ever and the author has captured all the feelings of being out of the comfort zone so, so well.I really could feel Emily's feelings and emotions.
A story about facing and confronting your fears, leaving your comfort zones to find a better place for yourself, to feel better in your own skin - hilariously funny and poignant at the same time.
January 11, 2023
I’m currently frantically writing this review just after finishing the book, as I HAVE to tell you my thoughts.
This book was just pure, pure brilliance. Our main character Emily?! Utterly fantastic. And Josh?! Guys, we ALL need a Josh in our lives.
Emily was just perfect, and so god damn relatable. I loved her character development, and witnessing her manage grief. I was in tears throughout many parts of this book, both through humour and heart-breaking moments. I loved how the book was set predominantly in the current moment, however it also included some moments from Emily’s POV as a child (which can I tell you?! You will need tissues).
Rebecca Ryan has very cleverly written about the various stages of grief, in an incredibly beautiful and touching way. Ultimately, this is just a pocket sized bundle of joy and I adored this book!
Thank you to Tandem for having me on the readalong💕
This book was just pure, pure brilliance. Our main character Emily?! Utterly fantastic. And Josh?! Guys, we ALL need a Josh in our lives.
Emily was just perfect, and so god damn relatable. I loved her character development, and witnessing her manage grief. I was in tears throughout many parts of this book, both through humour and heart-breaking moments. I loved how the book was set predominantly in the current moment, however it also included some moments from Emily’s POV as a child (which can I tell you?! You will need tissues).
Rebecca Ryan has very cleverly written about the various stages of grief, in an incredibly beautiful and touching way. Ultimately, this is just a pocket sized bundle of joy and I adored this book!
Thank you to Tandem for having me on the readalong💕
February 12, 2023
This is a pretty good book, saying that to live your life you need to just do rather than constantly worry whether your failing or worse just coasting. I did feel some sympathy for Emily as she lost her twin the other side to herself from a young age and how it affected her so much she couldn’t really grow or let go of the grief that consumed her. But through her drastically wanting to change her “average” looking life she finds that maybe thinking about what Claire would do if she was alive is not the best way about going about living. I wasn’t sure about the romance side of this story and that’s where it fell a bit flat for me… I found at times Emily could be a bit too much and a bit too typical of the general “I am rubbish, no one would stay with me by choice” type girl trope. I did find that the book may have been a bit too long but all in all it’s a decent story and has heart and it will move you.
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